Romans 12:18

KJV

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} it be possible {G1415}, as much as lieth in {G1537} you {G5216}, live peaceably {G1514} with {G3326} all {G3956} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people.

Berean Standard Bible

If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

American Standard Version

If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 12:18 is a profound and practical exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to diligently pursue harmonious relationships with all people, to the utmost extent of their personal ability and influence. This verse encapsulates a vital principle for Christian conduct, emphasizing individual responsibility in fostering peaceful coexistence amidst a complex and often hostile world, acknowledging that while perfect peace may not always be attainable, the Christian's effort toward it must be unwavering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the practical, ethical section of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, which commences with [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice"). Having meticulously laid a foundational theological framework concerning salvation by grace through faith in the preceding eleven chapters, Paul transitions to the implications of this profound truth for daily Christian living. The initial verses of [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Transformed Living") call believers to a radical transformation of mind and life, rooted in their spiritual worship. The immediate context of [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably") includes specific instructions on how Christians are to interact with both fellow believers and those outside the faith. Paul has just exhorted them to "repay no one evil for evil" ([Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")) and to "bless those who persecute you" ([Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute")). Thus, [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably") serves as a summarizing principle, providing a comprehensive directive for the outward expression of the renewed mind in the realm of human relationships.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the diverse Christian community in Rome, the capital of the vast Roman Empire. This city was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and social strata, where tensions between various groups, including Jews and Gentiles (both within and outside the church), were common. The Roman Empire, while imposing its "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace) through military might, was not free from internal strife, social unrest, and political intrigue. Christians, in particular, were often viewed with suspicion, accused of various crimes, and subjected to persecution. In such an environment, Paul's command to "live peaceably with all men" was not merely an idealistic suggestion but a radical call to counter-cultural behavior. It challenged believers to embody a different kind of peace—one rooted in divine love and reconciliation—rather than the coercive peace of the empire or the retaliatory patterns of the world. This directive would have been particularly poignant for a community navigating internal divisions and external hostility.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is **Christian Ethics and Practical Discipleship**, where Paul moves from theological exposition to practical application, demonstrating how faith transforms daily life. This verse highlights **Personal Responsibility**, emphasizing that believers are actively accountable for their own conduct in fostering peace, even if the outcome depends on others. It underscores the **Universal Scope of Christian Love and Peacemaking**, extending the call for peace beyond the Christian community to "all men," including adversaries, as seen in the command to "bless those who persecute you" ([Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute")). Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Living as Salt and Light in the World**, where the peaceful conduct of believers serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel, aligning with Christ's teaching for His followers to be peacemakers ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - The Beatitude for Peacemakers")). Finally, the conditional clause "If it be possible" introduces the theme of **Realistic Idealism**, acknowledging the fallen nature of the world and human limitations while still upholding the high ideal of peace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **possible (Greek, _dynatós_):** From G1415, meaning "powerful or capable." In its neuter form, as used here, it means "possible." This word acknowledges the inherent limitations of human effort in achieving perfect peace. It does not excuse the pursuit of peace but rather frames it within the realities of a fallen world where not all people will respond in kind. The emphasis is on what *can* be done, implying that the believer's responsibility is to exhaust all avenues within their power to foster peace.
* **lieth in (Greek, _ek_):** From G1537, a primary preposition denoting origin, "from, out (of place, time, or cause)." When combined with "you" (G5216, _hymōn_), the phrase "as much as lieth in you" (τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν, _to ex hymōn_) literally means "the part from you" or "as far as it depends on you." This phrase powerfully underscores personal agency and responsibility. It signifies that the initiative and maximum effort for peace must originate from and be sustained by the individual believer, regardless of the other party's disposition.
* **peaceably (Greek, _eirēneúō_):** From G1514, meaning "to be (act) peaceful." This verb is derived from _eirēnē_ (G1515), meaning "peace," which in the biblical sense (akin to the Hebrew _shalom_) implies not merely the absence of conflict but wholeness, well-being, right relationships, and flourishing. Thus, "live peaceably" is an active, ongoing endeavor to cultivate harmony, reconciliation, and mutual well-being, rather than a passive avoidance of strife. It calls for intentional peacemaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If it be possible":** This opening clause introduces a crucial qualification. It acknowledges that while peace is the ideal, it is not always fully attainable due to the actions, attitudes, or choices of others. This is a realistic concession to the complexities of human relationships in a fallen world, where some individuals may be unwilling to reciprocate peace or may actively seek conflict. It prevents believers from despairing if their efforts do not always yield perfect harmony, yet it does not diminish the imperative to strive for it.
* **"as much as lieth in you":** This phrase places the onus squarely on the individual believer. It signifies personal responsibility and maximum effort. The Christian is called to exhaust every legitimate means, every reasonable concession, and every act of love and humility within their power to promote peace. It emphasizes the believer's sphere of influence and control, asserting that while we cannot control others' responses, we are fully accountable for our own proactive pursuit of reconciliation and harmony.
* **"live peaceably with all men":** This is the core command, defining the scope and nature of the Christian's relational duty. "Live peaceably" (from _eirēneúō_) is an active verb, implying a continuous, intentional effort to cultivate peace. "With all men" extends this mandate universally, encompassing not only fellow believers but also neighbors, colleagues, strangers, and even adversaries. It is a call to be an agent of God's _shalom_ in every sphere of life, demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel through harmonious conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably") to convey his exhortation with clarity and force. The verse begins with a **conditional clause** ("If it be possible"), which functions as a realistic qualifier. This device acknowledges the limitations of human effort in a fallen world without negating the command. Following this, there is a strong **emphasis on personal agency** through the phrase "as much as lieth in you." This idiomatic expression highlights individual responsibility and maximum effort, placing the burden of initiation and sustained endeavor squarely on the believer. The verse concludes with a direct **exhortation** or imperative ("live peaceably with all men"), which is a common feature of Pauline letters in their ethical sections. This imperative is universal in its scope ("all men"), demonstrating a comprehensive application of the principle. The overall structure is concise yet impactful, delivering a clear and actionable directive for Christian conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 12:18 is a powerful articulation of the Christian's calling to be an ambassador of reconciliation in a broken world. It underscores the profound truth that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the active pursuit of _shalom_—wholeness, well-being, and right relationship—which is a core attribute of God's character and His desire for humanity. This verse reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, where individuals, once alienated from God and each other, are now empowered by the Spirit to embody God's love and seek harmony. It calls believers to a Christ-like posture, willing to initiate peace even when it is costly or unreciprocated, thereby demonstrating the kingdom values in a counter-cultural manner.

* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "The Beatitude for Peacemakers")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Pursue Peace with All People")
* [1 Peter 3:11](/1_peter/3-11 "Seek Peace and Pursue It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 12:18 challenges us to a proactive and persistent pursuit of peace in every aspect of our lives. It reminds us that our responsibility for harmony begins with us, regardless of the attitudes or actions of others. This means cultivating a heart that is quick to forgive, slow to anger, and eager to understand. In a world often characterized by division, polarization, and conflict, this verse calls believers to be counter-cultural agents of reconciliation, demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel through their very conduct. It demands self-awareness and humility, prompting us to examine our own contributions to relational strife and to actively seek resolution. While acknowledging that perfect peace is not always achievable, it firmly places the burden of effort on the believer, urging us to exhaust every Christ-like means to live harmoniously, even with those who may be difficult or hostile. This diligent pursuit of peace is not a sign of weakness, but a profound demonstration of spiritual strength and Christ's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific relationships or situations in your life are you currently challenged to "live peaceably"?**
* **What does "as much as lieth in you" practically look like in your daily interactions, especially with those who are difficult or antagonistic?**
* **How can you proactively initiate or sustain peace, rather than simply reacting to conflict, in your personal and communal spheres?**
* **What internal attitudes or habits might hinder your ability to live peaceably, and how can the Holy Spirit transform them?**

### FAQ

**Does "If it be possible" mean I don't have to pursue peace if it's too hard?**

Answer: No, the phrase "If it be possible" (Greek: _ei dynatón_) does not excuse believers from the command to pursue peace, nor does it imply that the pursuit is optional if it becomes difficult. Instead, it is a realistic acknowledgment of the fallen world and the fact that perfect, mutual peace is not always attainable due to the choices and actions of others. The emphasis remains on "as much as lieth in you," meaning the believer is to exhaust every reasonable and Christ-like effort within their power to live peaceably. It recognizes that while you are responsible for your own actions and efforts towards peace, you cannot control the response of another person. Therefore, the command is to strive for peace diligently, even if the outcome of perfect harmony is not always achieved, as seen in [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace with All People").

**How does "live peaceably with all men" apply to situations where there is injustice or evil?**

Answer: Living peaceably with all men, even in the face of injustice or evil, does not mean condoning sin or avoiding necessary confrontation. Paul himself elsewhere confronts sin and error. Rather, it means that even in confronting injustice, the Christian's posture should be one that seeks restoration and reconciliation where possible, rather than personal vengeance or destructive conflict. It aligns with Paul's earlier instruction in [Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil") to "repay no one evil for evil" and to "overcome evil with good" ([Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good")). The goal is to be an agent of God's _shalom_, which includes seeking justice and righteousness, but always with a heart that desires the ultimate good and redemption of all parties, reflecting the character of God who is "the God of peace" ([Romans 15:33](/romans/15-33 "Romans 15:33 - The God of Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 12:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who not only taught peace but embodied it perfectly. Christ's life was a testament to living peaceably, even with those who opposed Him, as He "did not revile in return when reviled" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His ultimate act of peacemaking was on the cross, where He broke down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile, "making peace by the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled Through Christ's Death")), and empowered by His Spirit to be "peacemakers" ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - The Beatitude for Peacemakers")), reflecting His nature to a broken world. The command to "live peaceably with all men" is therefore not a mere ethical guideline but a call to participate in Christ's ongoing work of reconciliation, demonstrating the transformative power of His Gospel in our relationships, and anticipating the day when He will establish perfect and everlasting peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.